Proposed Rule2026-02724
Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension, and Safety and Security Zones: Sail Boston, 250th Anniversary 2026; Boston Harbor, Boston, MA
Primary source
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Published
February 11, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish temporary regulations, including special local regulations and multiple safety and security zones, and to temporarily suspend certain anchorage grounds in Boston Harbor, Boston, MA between July 10 and July 16, 2026. These regulations are necessary to promote the safe navigation of vessels and safety of life during `Sail Boston,' a gathering of tall ships and military ships to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6155-6161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02724]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100, 110, and 165
[Docket Number USCG-2025-0707]
RIN 1625-AA08, AA01, AA87
Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension,
and Safety and Security Zones: Sail Boston, 250th Anniversary 2026;
Boston Harbor, Boston, MA
AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish temporary
regulations, including special local regulations and multiple safety
and security zones, and to temporarily suspend certain anchorage
grounds in Boston Harbor, Boston, MA between July 10 and July 16, 2026.
These regulations are necessary to promote the safe navigation of
vessels and safety of life during `Sail Boston,' a gathering of tall
ships and military ships to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the
founding of the United States. We invite your comments on this proposed
rulemaking.
DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast
Guard on or before April 13, 2026. The dates for the stays and
temporary sections are listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
ADDRESSES: To submit comments and view available documents, go to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for USCG-2025-0707.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this
proposed rulemaking, call or email: Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways
Management, Coast Guard Northeast District, telephone 571-607-6314,
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a29382b232d642e64262b3a232f2021250a3f39292d64272326"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86e5f4e7efe1a8e2a8eae7f6efe3ecede9c6f3f5e5e1a8ebefea">[email protected]</span></a> or call or email Mr. Timothy Chase U.S
Coast Guard Sector Boston Waterways Management at (617) 447-1620 or
email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#62160b0f0d160a1b4c154c010a03110722171101054c0f0b0e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="afdbc6c2c0dbc7d681d881ccc7cedccaefdadcccc881c2c6c3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 6156]]
I. Table of Abbreviations
BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port, Sector Boston
CGD-NE Coast Guard Northeast District Commander
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
LNM Local Notice to Mariners
MA Massachusetts
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
TFR Temporary Final Rule
II. Background and Authority
Sail250[supreg], a series of events which celebrates the 250th
anniversary of the United States of America, has been designated as a
Marine Event of National Significance under Coast Guard regulations.\1\
Among this series of events is a multiport tall ships tour, which
includes the ports of New Orleans, LA; Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD, and
New York City, NY, and which ends at the Port of Boston. Additional
information about Sail250[supreg] can be found at <a href="https://www.sail250.org/">https://www.sail250.org/</a>.
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\1\ 46 CFR 26.03-8.
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The Boston event, `Sail Boston,' is being held from July 11, 2026,
through July 16, 2026. It will commence with the arrival and anchoring
of the tall ships to Broad Sound, Massachusetts Bay, MA on July 10th,
2026. The Sail Boston Tall Ship Parade of Sail into Boston Harbor will
occur on July 11th, 2026, with participating tall ships mooring in
various berths throughout the Port of Boston, MA until their departure
on July 16th, 2026. There will also be tours of visiting United States
Naval Vessels and foreign naval vessels. In addition, we anticipate
making the existing Fan Pier Safety Zone (codified at 33 CFR
165.119(a)(3)), subject to enforcement for a fireworks display on July
11, and July 15, between 9:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
In 1992, 2000, 2009, 2012 and 2017, events similar to those which
are the subject of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) drew
several hundred thousand spectators by land, as well as by water, to
Boston Harbor. Among them were `Sail Boston' 1992, 2000, 2009, 2017,
and `War of 1812' in 2012. Based on experience with these past events,
the Coast Guard anticipates that thousands of spectator craft will
attend the `Sail Boston' events this year. Due to the likely high
concentration of spectator and participant vessels attending the series
of events, the Coast Guard Northeast District Commander (CGD-NE) and
the Captain of the Port, Sector Boston (COTP), have determined these
proposed regulations are necessary to ensure the safety of the `Sail
Boston' participants and spectators, and their vessels while operating
in and around the Port of Boston before, during, and after the
scheduled events are completed. The Coast Guard is proposing this
rulemaking under authorities in 33 U.S.C. 2071; 46 U.S.C. 70006, 70034,
70041, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5;
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No.
01.4.
III. Discussion of Rule
The proposed regulations would create temporary spectator areas,
vessel movement control measures, security zones around foreign naval
vessels, and safety zones around each Tall Ship while anchored,
transiting and moored in various berths in Boston Harbor. Additionally,
these proposed regulations would temporarily suspend certain anchorage
grounds. The proposed regulations would only be subject to enforcement
at various specified times between July 10th, 2026, through July 16th,
2026.
Based on the latest Sail Boston event schedule, we are proposing
regulations which, combined, would establish:
1. A 100-yard safety zone surrounding each participating Tall Ship
while anchored in Broad Sound on July 10 and 11,
2. A safety zone surrounding each participating Tall Ship during
the inbound `Parade of Sail' on July 11,
3. Special local regulations (SLR) with Temporary Spectator Zones
for viewing the `Sail Boston Tall Ship Parade of Sail' on July 10 and
11 and vessel movement control measures in effect July 11 through July
16.
4. A Naval Force Protective Zone will be enforced around all U.S
Navy vessels, while transiting or moored at the Flynn Cruise Port
Terminal and various berths in Boston Harbor July 11 through July 16.
5. A security zone around each visiting foreign Naval Vessel from
July 11 through July 16.
6. A 25-yard Safety Zone established around all moored tall ships.
Additional information about the special local regulations (SLRs),
anchorage grounds, security zones and safety zones follows.
Special Local Regulations (33 CFR 100.T0199-0707)
As an organized water event of limited duration which is conducted
according to a prearranged schedule is a ``Regatta or marine parade,''
as defined at 33 CFR 100.05. The Coast Guard requires an individual or
organization planning to hold a regatta or marine parade which, by its
nature, circumstances or location, will introduce extra or unusual
hazards to the safety of life on the navigable waters of the United
States, to submit an application to hold it. 33 CFR 100.15. On November
21, 2023, the event sponsor of the ``Sail 250'' submitted an
application under 33 CFR 100.15 to conduct a parade of tall ships,
``Sail 250 America's 250 Maritime Celebrations,'' on July 11th, 2026,
with participating Tall Ships mooring in various berths throughout the
Boston Harbor, Boston, MA, until their departure on July 16th, 2026.
After approving plans for the holding of a regatta or marine parade
within his or her district or zone, a COTP is authorized to promulgate
such SLRs as he or she deems necessary to ensure safety of life on the
navigable waters immediately prior to, during, and immediately after
the approved regatta or marine parade per 33 CFR 100.35. Due to the
high-profile nature of this event, spectator vessels and support craft
will be present, and together, they will certainly cause vessel
congestion in Boston Harbor, Boston, MA. To address potential hazards
associated with the significant amount of recreational boating traffic
this event is expected to draw, the Coast Guard proposes to establish
special local regulations that would institute vessel movement control
measures and create spectator vessel areas in Boston Harbor that will
be in effect during the entirety of the Sail Boston 250, Anniversary
event. This temporary SLR, which would be designated as section
100.T0199-0707, is needed to facilitate timely access to maritime and
transportation facilities by law enforcement support vessels and to
protect the maritime public and participating vessels from possible
hazards to navigation associated with dense vessel traffic.
Traffic Pattern
The proposed local regulation for vessel movement control
establishes a counterclockwise traffic pattern around Boston Inner
Harbor to ensure spectator vessels are following an organized route. A
Coast Guard Patrol Commander (PATCOM) will be on-scene to facilitate
the smooth flow of boating traffic and minimize traffic disruption on
the waterway. A chartlet showing the counterclockwise traffic pattern
around Boston Inner Harbor is below in figure 1.
[[Page 6157]]
(Figure 1 Chartlet Showing the Counterclockwise Traffic Pattern Around
Boston Inner Harbor)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11FE26.000
The waterway between the World Trade Center Pier and the Fish Pier
is a long, narrow area that does not provide sufficient space for
unhindered navigation. With the number of Tall Ships that will be
moored in this restricted waterway, there will not be adequate room for
additional vessels to safely maneuver within the navigational
constraints. As a result, waterside viewing from recreational vessels
will be prohibited, and only vessels that are tenants of the Fish Pier
and World Trade Center piers will be authorized access.
Spectator Areas
The Coast Guard proposes establishing 13 temporary spectator areas
for use by recreational, special use, fishing, and commercial vessels
during the arrival of the Tall Ships and naval vessels on July 10,
2026, and the Sail Boston Parade of Sail on July 11, 2026. These would
be located in the vicinity of Boston North Channel, Long Island, Deer
Island, President Roads, and Boston Inner Harbor. They would be
available for use from 6 a.m. on July 10 through 5 p.m. on July 11,
2026.
On July 11, 2026, following the `Parade of Sail,' vessel operators
may depart from their respective spectator areas in sequence with the
movement and mooring of the final flotilla of tall ships. After the
final flotilla of tall ships has passed Castle Island, vessel operators
in spectator areas east of Castle Island may depart for locations
outside of Boston Harbor. After the final flotilla of tall ships has
safely moored, vessel operators would be allowed to depart from the
remaining established spectator areas. Vessels transiting through
Boston Harbor would be required to proceed in accordance with
established vessel movement control measures directed by the COTP or
the COTP's representative on scene.
The locations of the temporary spectator areas are shown on
chartlets that can be found in the docket.
Temporary Suspension of Anchorage Grounds (33 CFR 110.138)
This proposal includes the temporary suspension of anchorage
grounds established at 33 CFR 110.138, (Boston Harbor, Mass.) through a
temporary stay of the regulations governing their use. The suspension
of these anchorage grounds would be in effect from July 11, 2026,
through July 16, 2026, to coincide with the periods that the spectator
areas and traffic pattern regulations are temporarily established. The
anchorages we propose to suspend are Anchorage 1--Bird Island
Anchorage, Anchorage 2--President Roads Anchorage, Anchorage 3--Long
Island Anchorage, Anchorage 4--Castle Island Anchorage, and Anchorage
5--Explosive Anchorage.
Safety Zones
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish safety zones in section
165.T01-0707. On July 10, 2026, tall ships participating in the Sail
Boston Tall Ship Parade of Sail will rally in Broad Sound. The safety
zones would extend out a 100-yard radius of each participating Tall
Ship while anchored in Broad Sound. The regulation would be enforced
from July 10, 2025, through July 11, 2025.
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish 1,000-yard safety zones
ahead and astern and 100-yards on each side of participating Tall
Ships, during their transit from their anchorages in Broad Sound to the
start of the Tall Ship Parade of Sail and during the Tall Ship Parade
of Sail into Boston Harbor. These would be enforced on July 11, 2026.
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish 25-yard safety zones
surrounding participating Tall Ships while moored in Boston Harbor
because the high density of spectators, combined with the volume of
daily deep draft commercial vessel traffic, poses a
[[Page 6158]]
significant threat to the safety of life and property. The proposed
regulations would be in effect from July 11, 2026, through July 16,
2026. These restrictions are intended to minimize the risks associated
with the large number of recreational vessels anticipated to be
operating within the confines of Boston Inner Harbor during the event.
Security Zone
To protect foreign naval vessels before, during, and after the Sail
Boston events, the Coast Guard is proposing to establish a 100-yard
security zone in 165.T01-1162 around each foreign naval vessel while it
is within the Sector Boston COTP Zone. These would be enforced from
12:01 a.m. July 10, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on July 16, 2025. The COTP
would make notifications of the exact names of the vessels in advance
of each enforcement period for the security zone to the local maritime
community through the Local Notice to Mariners (LNMs) and Broadcast
Notices to Mariners (BNMs). The Northeast Coast Guard District Local
Notice to Mariners can be found at: <a href="http://www.navcen.uscg.gov">http://www.navcen.uscg.gov</a>.
IV. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes
and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders
A. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities for the following reasons.
Although this regulation temporarily suspends certain anchorage
grounds, creates spectator areas, imposes traffic control measures, and
safety zones and security zones in portions of Boston Harbor, Boston,
MA, during the events, vessels needing to depart the temporary
spectator areas may do so with permission from the COTP's designated
on-scene representative and vessels will have sufficient transit room
around the outer edge of the designated spectator areas. The traffic
control measures are confined to areas of minimal distance, they follow
the natural flow of Boston Harbor, Boston, MA, traffic, they are in
compliance with the navigational rules of the road, and crossovers have
been established for vessels wanting to change direction. The 25-yard
safety zone around participating Tall Ships while moored will have no
impact to vessel movement in Boston, Harbor, Boston, MA, and will only
be in place during the five days of Sail Boston 250th Anniversary
activities. Sail250[supreg], Inc. over the past 6 months has held
multiple public meetings discussing Sail Boston 250, 2026, events and
during each meeting, these proposals have been discussed. An extensive
advance notice will be made to mariners via appropriate means, which
may include broadcast notice to mariners, local notice to mariners,
marine safety information bulletin, local Port Operators Group
meetings, Harbor Safety Committee meetings, the internet, USCG Sector
Boston Facebook web page, handouts, and local newspapers and media. The
advance notice will permit mariners to adjust their plans accordingly.
Similar restrictions were established for other Sail Boston events in
1992, 2000, 2009, 2017, and War of 1812 in 2012. Based upon the Coast
Guard's experiences from those previous events of similar magnitude,
these proposed regulations have been narrowly tailored to impose the
least impact on maritime interests while providing the necessary level
of safety.
B. Collection of Information
This proposed rule will not call for a new collection of
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520).
C. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, and have determined that it is consistent with the
fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described
in that Order.
Also, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
As required by The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1531-1538), the Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule will not
result in an annual expenditure of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted for
inflation) by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector.
E. Environment
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland
Security Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing
instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series),
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have
determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human
environment.
This proposed rule involves temporarily suspending permanent
anchorages, proposing temporary spectator areas and vessel traffic
control measures to facilitate the safety of all spectator and
participant vessels in the Sail Boston 250 Tall Ship Parade of Sail and
events. It is categorically excluded from further review under
paragraphs L59(b), L60(a), and L61. A Record of Environmental
Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket.
V. Public Participation and Request for Comments
We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or
recommendation.
Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. To do so, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type
USCG-2025-0707 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, look for
this document in the Search Results column, and click on it. Then click
on the Comment option. If you cannot submit your material by using
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, call or email the person in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate
instructions.
Viewing material in the docket. To view available documents, find
the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select
``Supporting & Related Material'' in the Document
[[Page 6159]]
Type column. We will post public comments in our online docket.
Additional information is on the <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> Frequently
Asked Questions web page.
Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we
post to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> will include any personal
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions
to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking
System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100, 110, 165
33 CFR Part 100
Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Waterways.
33 CFR Part 110
Anchorages grounds.
33 CFR Part 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and record
keeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes
to amend 33 CFR parts 100, 110, and 165 as follows:
PART 100--SPECIAL LOCAL REGULATIONS/REGATTAS AND MARINE PARADES
0
1. The authority citation for Part 100 continues to read as follows:
Authorities: 46 U.S.C. 70041; 33 CFR 1.05-1.
0
2. Add Sec. 100.T0199-0707 to read as follows:
Sec. 100.T0199-0707 Special Local Regulation: Sail Boston 250th,
Anniversary 2026; Port of Boston, MA.
(a) Regulated areas: (1) Traffic Pattern Regulated Area--(i)
Location. The following area is a special regulation area: All waters
of Boston Harbor to include all waters west of a line drawn from the
monument at Castle Island in approximate position 42[deg]20'21'' N,
71[deg]00'37'' W, to the Logan Airport Security Zone Buoy ``24'' in
approximate position 42[deg]20'45'' N, 71[deg]00'29'' W, and then to
land in approximate position 42[deg]20'48'' N, 71[deg]00'27'' W,
including the Reserved Channel to the Summer Street retractile bridge
in approximate position 42[deg]20'34'' N, 71[deg]02'11'' W, the Charles
River to the Gridley Locks at the Charles River Dam in approximate
position 42[deg]22'07'' N, 71[deg]03'40'' W, the Mystic River at the
Alford Street Bridge in approximate position 42[deg]23'22'' N,
71[deg]04'16'' W, and the Chelsea River to the McArdle Bridge in
approximate position 42[deg]23'09'' N, 71[deg]02'21'' W. All positions
are expressed in Degrees ([deg]) Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based
on the World Geodetic System (WGS 84).
(ii) Traffic Pattern General Regulations.
(A) During the effective period, vessel operators transiting
through the regulated area shall proceed in a counterclockwise
direction at no wake speeds not to exceed five knots, unless otherwise
authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP).
(B) Vessel operators shall comply with the directions and orders of
the COTP or the COTP's representative, upon being hailed by siren,
radio, flashing lights, or other means. The COTP's representative may
be any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer or any
Federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who has been
designated by the COTP to act on the COTP's behalf. The COTP's
representative may be on a Coast Guard vessel, a Coast Guard Auxiliary
vessel, a federal, state or local law enforcement or safety vessel, or
a location on shore.
(C) From 4 p.m. on July 11, 2026, through 8 a.m. on July 16, 2026,
vessel control measures will be implemented. The traffic pattern will
be in a counterclockwise rotation, such that all vessels shall stay
generally as far to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and
practicable.
(D) To facilitate commercial ferry traffic with minimal disruption,
commercial ferries within the regulated area, moving between stops on
their normal routes, will be exempt from the mandatory counterclockwise
traffic pattern. This exemption does not give ferries navigational
precedence or in any way alter their responsibilities under the Rules
of the Road or any other pertinent regulations.
(E) Vessel operators who are tenants of the World Tade Center and
Fish Pier docks will be allowed access to this portion of the Waterway.
Due to the mooring plan for the arriving Tall Ships severely
restricting the channels, recreational craft will not be allowed
access.
(F) Vessel operators transiting this area must maintain at least a
25-yard safe distance from all participating Sail Boston Tall Ships and
must make way for all deep draft vessel traffic underway in the area.
(G) When a vessel greater than 125-feet enters the waterway between
the Commonwealth Pier and the Fish Pier, no other vessel will be
allowed to enter until the larger vessel departs that area, unless
authorized by the on-scene COTP's representative.
(H) From 4 p.m. 11 July through 8:00 a.m. 16 July, while the
regulated area is in effect, only vessels which are tenants within the
channels of the Commonwealth and the Fish Pier will be authorized
access.
(I) The COTP may control the movement of all vessels operating on
the navigable waters of Boston Harbor when the COTP has determined that
such orders are justified in the interest of safety by reason of
weather, visibility, sea conditions, temporary port congestion, or
other temporary hazards circumstance.
(J) To obtain permissions required by this regulation, individuals
may reach the COTP or a COTP representative via VHF channel 16 or 833-
449-0593 (Sector Boston Command Center).
(iii) Penalties. Those who violate this section are subject to the
penalties set forth in 46 U.S.C. 70036 and 46 U.S.C. 70052.
(iv) Enforcement Period. This section will be enforced from 11:59
p.m. on July 10, 2026, through 4 p.m. on July 16, 2026, unless
otherwise noted. Readers should refer to paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this
section for additional information on specific enforcement times and
locations
(2) Spectator areas. (i) Locations and regulations--
(A) Spectator Area 1--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]22'06'' N/071[deg]02'43'' W, 42[deg]22'11'' N/
071[deg]02'39'' W, 42[deg]22'07'' N/071[deg]02'32'' W, and
42[deg]22'03'' N/071[deg]02'35'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
recreational vessels that are 45 feet or less in length and have
superstructures that do not exceed 10 feet in height.
(B) Spectator Area 2--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]21'41'' N/071[deg]02'25'' W, 42[deg]21'47'' N/
071[deg]02'20'' W, 42[deg]21'35'' N/071[deg]01'53'' W, and
42[deg]21'29'' N/071[deg]01'58'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
recreational vessels that are 45 feet or less in length and have
superstructures that do not exceed 10 feet in height.
(C) Spectator Area 3--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]21'26'' N/071[deg]01'51'' W, 42[deg]21'32'' N/
071[deg]01'47'' W, 42[deg]21'25'' N/071[deg]01'33'' W, and
42[deg]21'19'' N/071[deg]01'37'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
recreational vessels that are 45-feet or less in length and their
height above water does not exceed 50-feet.
(D) Spectator Area 4--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates:
[[Page 6160]]
42[deg]21'19'' N/071[deg]01'37'' W, 42[deg]21'25'' N/071[deg]01'33'' W,
42[deg]21'09'' N/071[deg]01'02'' W, and 42[deg]21'04'' N/
071[deg]01'06'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
inspected and uninspected small passenger vessels (certificated by the
Coast Guard under Subchapters T and K of Title 46, Code of Federal
Regulations), and charter vessels that do not exceed 50-feet in height
above the water line.
(E) Spectator Area 5--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]21'04'' N/071[deg]01'06'' W, 42[deg]21'09'' N/
071[deg]01'02'' W, 42[deg]20'48'' N/071[deg]00'29'' W, and
42[deg]20'47'' N/071[deg]00'29'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
inspected and uninspected small passenger vessels (certificated by the
Coast Guard under Subchapters T and K of Title 46, Code of Federal
Regulations), and charter vessels that do not exceed 50-feet in height
above the water line.
(F) Spectator Area 6--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'09'' N/070[deg]59'39'' W, 42[deg]20'23'' N/
070[deg]59'32'' W, 42[deg]20'19'' N/071[deg]59'17'' W, and
42[deg]20'07'' N/070[deg]59'24'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
recreational vessels.
(G) Spectator Area 7--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'06'' N/070[deg]59'23'' W, 42[deg]20'32'' N/
070[deg]59'08'' W, 42[deg]20'32'' N/070[deg]58'31'' W, and
42[deg]20'05'' N/070[deg]58'45'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
recreational vessels.
(H) Spectator Area 8--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'06'' N/070[deg]58'43'' W, 42[deg]20'35'' N/
070[deg]58'28'' W, 42[deg]20'33'' N/070[deg]57'29'' W, and
42[deg]20'05'' N/070[deg]57'31'' W.
This spectator area is designated a Deep Draft and general
spectator area, in the event a visiting foreign Naval Vessel is
anchored within the zone, a 500-yard Naval Protective Zone will be
established prohibiting all vessels from entering the established zone.
(I) Spectator Area 9--(i) All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]19'45'' N/070[deg]59'55'' W, 42[deg]19'58'' N/
070[deg]59'55'' W, 42[deg]19'57'' N/070[deg]58'47'' W, and
42[deg]19'44'' N/070[deg]58'47'' W.
This spectator area is designated as general transient spectator
area for all vessels that do not exceed 50-feet in height above the
water line, with no vessel remaining overnight. This spectator area is
only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11, 2026, until 4 p.m. on July 11,
2026.
(J) Spectator Area 10--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]19'44'' N/070[deg]58'44'' W, 42[deg]19'58'' N/
070[deg]58'47'' W, 42[deg]19'55'' N/070[deg]57'28'' W, and
42[deg]19'43'' N/070[deg]57'35'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
recreational vessels with no vessel remaining overnight. This spectator
area is only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11, 2026, until 4 p.m. on
July 11, 2026.
(K) Spectator Area 11--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'30'' N/070[deg]56'30'' W, 42[deg]21'58'' N/
070[deg]56'05'' W, and 42[deg]21'32'' N/070[deg]55'27'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of late
arriving recreational vessels with no vessel remaining overnight. This
spectator area is only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11, 2026, until 4
p.m. on July 11, 2026.
(L) Spectator Area 12--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]20'07'' N/070[deg]56'28'' W, 42[deg]21'43'' N/
070[deg]54'51'' W, 42[deg]21'18'' N/070[deg]54'29'' W, and
42[deg]20'05'' N/070[deg]55'51'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of late
arriving recreational vessels with no vessel remaining overnight. This
spectator area is only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11,2026, until 4
p.m. on July 11, 2026.
(M) Spectator Area 13--All waters bounded by the following
coordinates: 42[deg]19'55'' N/070[deg]56'40'' W, 42[deg]20'06'' N/
070[deg]56'28'' W, 42[deg]20'05''/070[deg]55'51'' W, and 42[deg]19'51''
N/070[deg]56'05'' W.
This spectator area is designated for the exclusive use of
inspected and uninspected small passenger vessels (certificated by the
Coast Guard under Subchapters T and K of Title 46, Code of Federal
Regulations), and charter vessels with no vessel remaining overnight.
This spectator area is only applicable from 6 a.m. on July 11, 2026,
until 4 p.m. on July 11, 2026.
(ii) Spectator Area General regulations. The spectator area
designated in paragraphs (2)(i)(A) through (M) of this section are
expressed in Degrees ([deg]) Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based on
the World Geodetic System (WGS 84), and subject to the following
regulations:
(A) General Operational Requirements for all spectator areas.
Vessel operators using any of the spectator areas established in this
section shall:
(1) Ensure their vessels remain safely within the spectator area
during marine events.
(2) Vessel operators shall comply with the directions and orders of
the COTP or the COTP's representatives, upon being hailed by siren,
radio, flashing lights, or other means. The COTP's representative may
be any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer or any
Federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who has been
designated by the COTP to act on the COTP's behalf. The COTP's
representative may be on a Coast Guard vessel, a Coast Guard Auxiliary
vessel, a federal, state, or local law enforcement or safety vessel, or
a location on shore.
(3) Vacate spectator areas after termination of their effective
periods.
(4) Buoy with identifiable markers and release anchors fouled on
lobster trap lines if such anchors cannot be freed or raised.
(5) All vessels are required to exhibit appropriate anchoring
lights as prescribed by the Rules of the Road (COLREGS) while at anchor
(6) Do not leave vessels unattended in any spectator area at any
time.
(7) Do not tie off to any aid to navigation or buoy.
(8) Maintain at least 20 feet of clearance when maneuvering between
vessels.
(9) Do not nest, raft, or tie off to other vessels in spectator
areas.
(10) Based on COTP approval and direction, vessels commercially
engaged in the collection and legal disposal of marine sewage may
operate within spectator areas during the applicable periods.
Note 1 to Sec. 100.T0199-0707: CAUTION: Mariners are cautioned
that the areas designated as spectator areas in this section have
not been subject to any special survey or inspection and that charts
may not show all seabed obstructions or the shallowest depths. In
addition, if you decide to anchor, spectator areas are in areas of
substantial currents, and not all spectator areas are over good
holding ground. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions
when using these temporary spectator areas.
Note 2 to Sec. 100.T0199-0707: NO-DISCHARGE ZONE: Boston
Harbor, MA, located in EPA Region 01, is a No-Discharge Zone. No
Discharge Zones prohibit the discharge of sewage from vessels to
protect water quality. Mariners are warned they cannot discharge any
treated or untreated sewage within the designated area and must
instead retain it on board and use onshore pump-out facilities to
dispose of it later. Additional information on commercial vessels or
the location of onshore pump-out facilities dedicated to the
collection and legal disposal of marine sewage may be found at
<a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boat-pumpout-facilities">https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boat-pumpout-facilities</a>.
PART 110--ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for Part 110 continues to read as follows:
Authorities: 33 U.S.C. 2071; 46 U.S.C. 70006, 70034; 33 CFR
1.05-1; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1,
Revision No. 4.
0
2. Temporarily stay 33 CFR 110.138, (Boston Harbor, Mass.), effective
from July 11, 2026, through July 16, 2026.
[[Page 6161]]
PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
0
1. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1,
6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No.
00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
0
2. Add Sec. 165.T01-0707 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T01-0707 Safety Zone: Sail Boston 250th, Anniversary 2026;
Port of Boston, MA.
(a) Location. The following are safety zones (all coordinates are
NAD 1983):
(1) All navigable waters from surface to bottom, within a 100-yard
radius of each participating Tall Ship while anchored in Broad Sound.
(2) All navigable waters from surface to bottom, within 1000-yards
ahead and astern and 100-yards on each side of participating Tall
Ships, during their transit from anchorage to mooring.
(3) All navigable waters from surface to bottom, within 25-yards
surrounding participating Tall Ships while moored at various locations
throughout the Port of Boston.
(b) Regulations. While these safety zones are being enforced, the
following regulations, along with those contained in 33 CFR 165.23,
apply:
(1) No person or vessel may enter or remain in a safety zone
without the permission of the COTP, Sector Boston or the COTP's
representative.
(2) Any person or vessel permitted to enter the safety zones shall
comply with the directions and orders of the COTP or the COTP's
representative. Upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing lights, or
other means, the operator of a vessel within the zone shall proceed as
directed. Any person or vessel within the security zone shall exit the
zone when directed by the COTP or the COTP's representative.
(3) To obtain permissions required by this regulation, individuals
may reach the COTP or a COTP representative via VHF channel 16 or 833-
449-0593 (Sector Boston Command Center) to obtain permission.
(4) Penalties. Those who violate this section are subject to the
penalties set forth in 46 U.S.C. 70036 and 46 U.S.C. 70052.
(c) COTP Representative. The COTP's representative may be any Coast
Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer or any Federal, state, or
local law enforcement officer who has been designated by the COTP to
act on the COTP's behalf. The COTP's representative may be on a Coast
Guard vessel, a Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel, a federal, state or local
law enforcement or safety vessel, or a location on shore.
(d) Enforcement dates. Paragraph (a) of this section is applicable
on July 10, 2026, through June 16, 2026.
0
3. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1,
6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No.
00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
0
4. Add Sec. 165.T01-1162 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T01-1162 Security Zones; Sail Boston, 250th Anniversary
2026; Boston Harbor, Boston, MA.
(a) The following areas are established as security zones:
(1) Security Zones for Foreign Naval Vessels.
(i) Location. All navigable waters within Sector Boston Marine
Inspection and Captain of the Port Zone as described in 33 CFR 3.05-10
extending from the surface to bottom, within a 100-yard radius of any
foreign flag naval vessels.
(ii) Effective and enforcement periods. This section will be
effective from 12:01 a.m. July 10, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. on July 16,
2026. The Captain of the Port (COTP) will make notification of the
exact names of the vessels in advance of each enforcement period for
the security zone to the local maritime community through the Local
Notice to Mariners (LNMs) and Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs). The
Coast Guard Northeast District Local Notice to Mariners can be found
at: <a href="http://www.navcen.uscg.gov">http://www.navcen.uscg.gov</a>.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain,
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the COTP
in the enforcement of the security zone.
Foreign Naval Vessel means any naval vessel of a foreign state,
which is not required to be licensed for entry into the U.S. for visit
purposes under 22 CFR 126.6, provided it is not undergoing repair or
overhaul.
(c) Regulations.
(1) Under the general security zone regulations in subpart C of
this part, you may not enter the security zones described in paragraph
(a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's
designated representative.
(2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP
representative via VHF channel 16 or 833-449-0593 (Sector Boston
Command Center) to obtain permission. Those in a security zone must
comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP
or the COTP representative.
M.E. Platt,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Coast Guard Northeast
District.
[FR Doc. 2026-02724 Filed 2-10-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 11, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.